Masterplanning a vibrant new family destination for Riyadh
Ilmi Science Museum
Location:
Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
Client:
MISK Foundation, Talents
Services:
Strategy & Masterplanning, Experience Design
Partners:
Colliers International, Malcolm Reading Consultants, Design PM
Project date:
2016 - 2019
Ilmi is an exciting new science-themed family destination opening in Riyadh in 2026. The Misk Foundation appointed KCA London to help them define the masterplan for the museum and guide the early stages of the project.
Over several years, we worked alongside the Misk team to develop a detailed plan for the new museum. Initially, we focused on analysing the project’s context and the drivers behind it, using these to define the museum’s core vision, mission and strategic goals.
We then built a more detailed picture of the museum in the form of outline interpretation, operations and business plans. This included developing the museum’s learning approach and design principles, a full space schedule covering front- and back-of-house facilities, and detailed content plans for each of the nine main galleries. Together, these formed the starting point for the architectural and exhibition design of the museum, which started in 2019.
We also supported the wider project planning and management – helping to develop a project delivery plan, advising on the recruitment of key museum personnel, contributing to branding and naming, and coordinating a global competition to appoint the museum architect.
Our aim throughout was to help establish a world-class museum that would become part of the fabric of family life in Riyadh and to provide Misk with a clear and comprehensive foundation on which to build the details of the museum.
